Abstract: In this talk I will trace some of the sources of the idea of kokoro from China and ancient Japan, showing how the term accrued a rich array of meanings and nuances. Then I will discuss the idea itself as I understand its role in a general theory of creativity shared by most Japanese spiritual and philosophical traditions. I will conclude with a few reflections on how in this age of dehumanizing technology, we can find ways to nourish the notion of kokoro and the creativity it brings to daily life.

Organizer: The Global Japan Studies Network (GJS)Co-organizer: Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, the University of TokyoContact： gjs[at]ioc.u-tokyo.ac.jp